If you find yourself searching for an eye exam near you, you are not alone. Many people experience vision changes but overlook the warning signs their eyes send them. The Cleveland Clinic recommends regular eye exams because they help detect vision problems early and prevent further problems.
Knowing the signs that indicate you need glasses can help you take action sooner. This article explores the following:
- Key indicators that suggest it might be time to schedule an eye exam.
- Where to get an eye exam if you live in or near Miramar, Florida.
1. Frequent Headaches and Eye Strain
Do you experience headaches after reading or using digital devices? Eye strain often causes persistent headaches, especially around your forehead and temples.
When your eyes struggle to focus, the muscles around them work overtime. This extra effort creates tension that radiates through your head.
Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain has become increasingly common. Computer screens, smartphones, and tablets force your eyes to work harder than usual.
The blue light from these devices can worsen existing vision problems. If you notice headaches developing after screen time, your eyes might need corrective lenses.
Headaches
Pay attention to when these headaches occur. Do they happen during specific activities like reading or driving? Timing patterns can help your eye doctor understand what type of vision correction you need.
Some people experience headaches only during close-up work, while others struggle with distance vision.
2. Squinting to See Clearly
Squinting temporarily improves focus by reducing the amount of light entering your eyes. When you squint, you create a smaller opening for light to pass through. This action helps your eyes focus more effectively on objects.
However, frequent squinting indicates an underlying vision problem. You should not need to squint regularly to see clearly. Your vision needs attention if you catch yourself squinting while:
- Reading signs
- Watching television
- Looking at your phone
Squinting can also cause premature wrinkles around your eyes. The repeated muscle contractions create lines that deepen over time. Addressing vision problems early can prevent both eye strain and cosmetic concerns.
3. Difficulty Seeing at Night
Night vision problems often signal the need for glasses. Many people notice they struggle to drive after dark or walk in dimly lit areas.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, poor night vision can result from several factors. This includes:
- Nearsightedness
- Astigmatism
- Early cataracts
Street lights might appear to have halos around them. Oncoming headlights could seem unusually bright or cause glare. These symptoms suggest your eyes cannot properly process light in low-light conditions.
Night vision difficulties can be dangerous. They increase your risk of accidents while driving or walking.
4. Blurry Vision at Any Distance
Blurry vision is perhaps the most obvious sign you need glasses. This symptom can affect near vision, distance vision, or both.
Near vision problems typically develop after age 40. You might notice that books, menus, or your phone appear blurry when held at normal reading distance. This condition, called presbyopia, affects almost everyone eventually.
Distance vision problems can occur at any age. Road signs might appear fuzzy, or you might struggle to see the board in classrooms or meeting rooms.
Some people experience blurriness at all distances, indicating more complex vision issues.
5. Holding Objects at Arm’s Length
Do you find yourself holding books, phones, or menus farther away to read them clearly? This behavior commonly indicates developing presbyopia.
Your eye’s natural lens becomes less flexible with age, making it harder to focus on close objects.
Most people first notice this problem when reading small print. Restaurant menus, medication labels, and smartphone text might become difficult to see at normal distances. You might unconsciously extend your arms to find the right focal point.
6. Eye Fatigue and Discomfort
Your eyes should not feel tired or uncomfortable during normal activities. Eye fatigue often accompanies uncorrected vision problems. When your eyes struggle to focus, they work harder than necessary throughout the day.
Symptoms of eye fatigue include burning, itching, or watering eyes. You might feel like your eyes are heavy or dry. These symptoms typically worsen as the day progresses, especially after prolonged visual tasks.
Digital device use can intensify eye fatigue. The constant focusing and refocusing required for screen work strains your visual system. If you experience persistent eye discomfort, vision correction might provide significant relief.
7. Difficulty with Depth Perception
Depth perception problems can indicate vision issues in one or both eyes.
You might misjudge distances when parking, walking down stairs, or reaching for objects. These difficulties can lead to accidents and injuries.
Binocular vision problems affect how your eyes work together. When one eye sees significantly better than the other, your brain struggles to create accurate depth perception. This imbalance can cause dizziness, coordination problems, and visual discomfort.
Sports activities often reveal depth perception issues. You might miss catching balls, misjudge distances while running, or feel unsteady during physical activities. These problems can impact your performance and safety during recreational activities.
Eye Exam Near You in Miramar, FL
Recognizing these signs early can prevent vision problems from worsening. Regular eye exams detect issues before they significantly impact your quality of life. Many vision problems progress slowly, making them easy to ignore until they become severe. Clear sight enhances your work performance, driving safety, and recreational activities. Corrective lenses can dramatically improve your comfort and confidence in various situations.
Trust Miramar Eye Institute for comprehensive eye care and expert vision correction solutions. Our experienced team can evaluate your vision needs and recommend appropriate treatment options. Call us at (954) 437-4316 or use our online appointment request form to schedule an eye exam near you.
We look forward to serving you!
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/eyeglasses
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/eye-exam